•*&.' 7 




66th Congress, I H OUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ( D ° C ™® NT 

1st Session. | { No. 173. 



FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 



LETTER 



FROM 



THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR, 

TBANSMITTING 

REPORTS FROM ARMY OFFICIALS SHOWING THE INTEREST OF THE 
SOLDIERS IN THE PLAN NOW BEFORE CONGRESS TO PROVIDE 
THEM WITH FARMS ON THE UNUSED LANDS OF THE COUNTRY. 



August 1, 1919. — Referred to the Committee on the Public Lands and ordered 

to be printed. 



The Secretary of the Interior, 

Washington, July 31, 1919. 
Dear Mr. Speaker: Having been asked by committees of both 
Houses what evidence there was that the soldiers, sailors, and marines 
engaged in the war with Germany were interested in the plan before 
Congress for providing them with farms upon the unused lands of 
the country, I sent the following letter to the officers ranking above 
captain still in the service whose addresses I could procure: 

As you doubtless know, this department is urging upon Congress a large appropri- 
ation for the development of some of the unused lands of the country by soldiers and 
sailors and for them. (The plan is explained in rough outline in the inclosed pamph- 
lets.) It would, I know, be of much value to Congress if I could have for their benefit 
an expression of your feeling as to the advisability of providing such farm homes for 
the men who have come back and soon will be back. 

The impression has been spread abroad that the men would not care to go on farms. 
The answer to that appears to be in the fact that 40,000 have already written to us of 
their interest in the plan. From many officers and men who have returned from France 
and from others in this country, I have gained the very firm impression that this 
this form of employment and of making a livelihood will make an especial appeal to our 
men. Am I wrong in this? Would you mind giving me your opinion as to whether 
this is a worth-while line of activity for the Government to now undertake in view of 
the unemployment situation and the desirability of having our men tied to the land 
by the sentiment that always develops when one owns a bit of the soil and works in it? 

I shall respect any desire you may express as to treating what you say as confidential. 




V FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 

From the hundreds of replies received a number of extracts have 
been taken and are here appended ^"hich five th^ir purport. There 
have been but two replies " T hich condemned the plan. All the other 
replies have been in its favor. One of the division commanders, 
Gen. Hersey, submitted the matter to a vote of his division of 23,363 
men stationed on the Rhine. The result of this vote sho'vs that 
4,595 men expressed themselves as personally interested in it. Col. 
F. H. Adams found 245 men in his regiment who were anxious to 
become identified with this development work. Col. Peyton found 
in 206 men of the Sixty-first Infantry 98 men who either wanted to 
know more of the plan or who wished to try it. Brig. Gen. Poore 
reports that hi his brigade out of 7,010 men 1,800 expressed interest 
in the plan. Col. Stone, at Bourges, France, advises that out of 
3,463 man who gathered to consider the matter a total of 789 were 
"interested" or "vitally interested." Col. "Wheeler, at Coblenz, ad- 
vises that out of 1,480 men 22 per cent were interested. Brig. Gen. 
O'Neil took a poll which showed 27 per cent of 1,800 men who thought 
so well of the plan that they intended to investigate it. These 
figures and others that you will find in the letters show a much larger 
interest than anyone had heretofore thought obtained among the 
men, although we have now in this office postal cards and letters from 
107,000 men in which they have asked to know what opportunity 
along this line the Government was extending. 

I commend for your consideration the facts presented by these dis- 
tinguished men, none of whom can have any interest in the matter 
other than that which patriotism and a high regard for the welfare 
of their men would prompt. 

I take this occasion to emphasize the thought that it is in this plan, 
and has been from the outset, that these farms are to be located in 
every one of the States, and not exclusively in any one section of the 
country. 

Cordially, yours, 

Franklin K. Lane. 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives. 



Maj. Gen. Mark L. Hersey, headquarters Fourth Division, Ameri- 
can Expeditionary Forces, Germany: 

I am in receipt of your letter of May 6, 1919, regarding your plan for developing the 
unused land of the United States through the efforts of honorably discharged soldiers. 
The plan itself is so favorable that there can be no doubt of a hearty response on the 
part of the men concerned. Personally, I feel that Congress could not make an appro- 
priation that would result in greater advantage not only to the men but to the country 
at large. With a view to determining in actual figures the number of men in this 
division that would be not only interested in farming, but interested with sufficient 
definitiiiess to take up the work should the plan be put into effect, I caused the at- 
tached memorandum to be issued to all organizations of the division in such numbers 
that it could be read to every soldier. The replies from all the organizations have been 
received. The number of men who have stated that they desire to become bona lide 
farmers if the proposed legislation is enacted is as follows : 

0. Of J. 

AUG . 1* 1919 



FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 



Organization. 



Num- 
ber 
inter- 
ested. 




Headquarters detachment Seventh Infantry Brigade 

Thirty-ninth Infantry 

Forty-seventh Infantry 

Eleventh Machine Gun Battalion 

Headquarters detachment Eighth Infantry Brigade 

Fifty-eiehth Infantry 

Fifty-ninth Tnfantry 

Twelfth Machine Gun Battalion 

Tenth Machine Gun Battalion .• 

Headquarters detachment Fourth Field Artillery Brigade. 

Headquarters Thirteenth Field Artillery 

Headquarters Sixteenth Field Artillery 

Headquarters Seventy-seventh Field Artillery 

Fourth Engineers 

Eighth Field Signal Battalion 

Fourth Military Police 

Fourth Sanitary Train 

Fourth Supply Train 

Casual detachment 

Postal detachment 

Salvage Squad No. 3 

Bakery Company No. 310 

Headquarters Troop 



Total 23,363 4,595 



You will note that in the Thirty-ninth Infantry 1,325 men report their desire to 
become bona fide farmers under your plan. In view of the fact that all cur Infantry 
regiments are composed of men who come from all parts of the United States and that 
in the aggregate there is very little variation as to occupation or status in life, it is 
believed that this figure is somewhat large, so that the total of 4,000 would probably 
be more nearly correct. Four thousand men are about 16 per cent of the division. I 
have gone into this matter with sune care, believing that you would like to have 
the figures as accurate as they could be made. Furthermore, this division may be 
considered as typical, so that if the response is 4,000 from the Fourth division, it will be 
approximately 4,030 from every other division. 

The men who are returning to America from the European battle fields have given 
to their country the best they have. They have paid their debt to America — not in 
full, perhaps, but in full up to the present time. It is up to the United States to take 
care of them; to exercise over them a proper degree of paternalism; to make them 
feel that what they have given up in order to come to the war will be made good by 
the Government. These men are coming home with a higher respect for American 
institutions and for constituted authority than they ever had before. They are thor- 
oughly good citizens who need only the ties that bind them to the land, that give 
them a sense of proprietorship in the soil; that impel each man to establish his own 
home and to rear his own family. All these your proposed plan should furnish. I 
am heartily in favor of it. I hope you may push it to a successful conclusion. 

Several of the division staff officers have received letters similar to the one that 
was sent to me. I might say that this letter voices their sentiments, as well as my 
own. 

Maj. Thomas L. Clark, Signal Corps, Andernack, Germany, had 
this put on the battalion bulletin board: 

Soldiers interested in farm homes, as outlined in "Work and Homes for our Fight- 
ing men," may sign names below. 

This is followed by 116 signatures. 

Lieut. Col. R. H. Hess, Service of Supplies, American Expedi- 
tionary Forces, France: 

I am quoting below a statement of a private of the A. E. F., which is typical of 85 
per cent of the expressed opinion of the enlisted personnel of the Supplies Division 
Office of the Chief Quartermaster A. E. F.: 

"It is my opinion that this meet3 with the approval of a large percentage of the 
A. E. F. The majority of fellows that have spent part of their lives on the farm are 



4 FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 

anxious to get back. Personally, I was born and raised on a farm but was anxious 
to get awav from it to secure an education and to get a broader view of affairs. Having 
fuliilled niv desire, I am now anxious to get back to the farm as soon as I can get out 
of the service. I am very much interested in the proposition and feel that there are 
a great number of cases similar to mine in the A. E. F." 

Maj. B. M. Sawbridge, Thirteenth Field Artillery, Third Battalion, 
Ahrweiler, Germany: 

It now develops that there are 65 men in the battalion who are open to a farm prop- 
osition or about 25 per cent of the battalion. * * * As to the desirability of your 
plan it is difficult to conceive of opposition to it. The past experiences of your 
department in the reclamation of land should make it evident that whether for men 
of the service or for others, the turning of arid or deforested areas into productive 
farms is of the greatest value to the country at large. 

Col. Morris M. Keck, Eighth Infantry, Camp Poutanezen, Brest, 
France : 

I have had one of the officers of my regiment take the matter up with each com- 
pany and I am inclosing his report in the matter. 

The report says: 

Not only were there no objections but from 33 to 50 per cent of each gathering sig- 
nified that they would like to acquire such a farm home, the balance of the gathering 
not voting either against or for the plan. 

Col. David L. Stone, General Staff, Bourges (Cher), France: 

After your letter was received, the salient points of the inclosed pamphlets were 
mimeographed and distributed to the various organizations and more interest was 
was taken with the definite features fully disclosed. I am sure that this form of em- 
ployment appeals to the men more and more as the time approaches for them to renew 
their means of livelihood and the prospect of becoming a landowner is most desirable. 
The inclosed tabulation shows the interest taken by two organizations (the Central 
Records Office Battalion and two companies of the Postal Express Service) in farming 
at a meeting held a few days since and there is every indication that their interest 
will increase as the day of return to the United States draws nearer. 

This tabulation shows that out of 3,463 present, 353 expressed 
themselves as "vitally interested" and 436 as "interested." 

Maj. Robert P. McDowell, Quartermaster Corps, Seventy-eighth 
Division, Realty Building, Elmira, N. Y.: 

I believe that it is worth while. * * * Your scheme of development appeals 
to me as exceedingly practical and one which should interest the largest possible 
number of men, especially because of the announced intention of establishing at least 
one community in each State. I believe that this is a highly important feature; as 
it seems to me, as an easterner, that it is just as important to have development of this 
kind backed by the Government and educational methods carried on in our Eastern 
States as in our Western States. 

Col. William N. Haskell, American Relief Administration, Mission 
to Roumania, Bucarest: 

I consider that this great idea will interest thousands of returning soldiers. As a 
matter of fact, it appeals to me personally, and if I were an enlisted man and 20 years 
younger, I would never let the opportunity go by to become one of those engaged in 
assuring the success of this great conception. Here in Roumania I am in close touch 
witli Bolshevism; it is to the east of us in Bessarabia, to the west of us in Hungary, 
and to the north of us in Russia. This country is opposed to Bolshevism, for the 
simple reason that four-fifths of the population are attached to the soil; it is an agri- 
cultural country. No man who owns land will ever be a Bolshevist. 

Lieut. Col. Fred W. Llewellyn, Seattle, Wash., late of the American 
Expeditionary Forces: 

While the number who will elect to avail themselves of the opportunity will be 
relatively small, it will probably be large enough to enable accomplishment of 
material results. 



FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 5 

Col. P. H. Peck, Eleventh Infantry, commanding American Expe- 
ditionary Forces, France: 

Although many men of this regiment are undecided as to their future plans, the 
"farm-home" plan as out'ined in vour letter of Mav 6, 1919, does not seem to appeal 
to them as I, personally, believed it would. About 40 percent of the men are really- 
interested in farming, but the maiority o f these care l'ttle for a colonization project or. 
wish to work as a 'aborer with a view of owning a farm some time in the future. They 
have farms and their desire is to have local conditions improved rather than become 
a part of an entirely new project. 

Brig. Gen. E. B. Babbitt, United States Army, Camp Dodge, Iowa: 

I feel that my opinions will be of little value regarding the question of farms for 
our returning soldiers. It seems to me, however, that it is one of the best things that 
could happen to our men should they take up that vocation, especially now that the 
farms offer a proper remuneration for the effort that must be expended. Two things 
appear to me essential, however, before farm life can be popular with the mass of 
American people — first, good roads, and, second, more entertainment and social 
intercourse than now exists. 

Maj. W. E. Dick, Three hundred and tenth Engineers, Camp 
Custer, Mich.: 

After a thorough canvas of the batta^on there are about 50 me*n who were interested 
in the proposition. Personally, I think the idea is very commendable. 

Col. C. L. Corbin, Field Artillery, War Department, Washington, 
D. C: 

I am very much interested in your project of providing farm homes for the men 
returning from Europe. I for some time had the same impression that you speak of 
in your letter, namely, that men would not care to go on farms. This impression was 
changed very materia' ly during the last few months, when men were given permission 
to go home by reason of sickness or distress in families. I found that a large part of the 
men with whom I talked fully intended to return to work on farms. This impression 
was firmly fixed when the agricultural school of the American Expeditionary Forces 
were opened, and I found a tremendous number of men interested in this work; in 
fact, many more than my allotment permitted me to send to these schools. 

Maj. Maxon S. Lough, Thirty-eighth Infantry: 

I beHeve that an appropriation to develop the unused lands of the country would 
do a great deal of good, not only to the soldiers and sailers concerned, but to the country 
at large. My battalion consists of about 907 enlisted men. Out of that number there 
are 107 who have expressed a desire to work on a farm when they return to the United 
States and are mustered out. 

Brig. Gen. T. B. Dugan, United States Army: 

The scheme is too indefinite to be immediately attractive. No assurance can be 
given anyone as to when his operations as a farmer will commence. It may be years 
before this goal is reached. In the meanwhile what would be the living conditions 
of those engaged in the reclamation work? Probably most uncomfortaWe. Then the 
consideration: What if, after years of hard work and personal discomfort the discovery 
shou'd be made that life on a farm is uncongenial? Why risk present contentment 
with work in which one has acquired facility and in environments where one's family is 
and where one has made friends for an experiment the initial stages of which involve 
unattractive work and social retrogression? I sincerely hope that the scheme of your 
department will be consummated. It will greatly relieve conditions of unem pay- 
ment in which a very large number of discharged so 1 diers will be found . I have no fear 
of "slackers" getting the farms made available by reclamation. They are not as a 
class venturesome. In my opinion the farms will in most cases finally be held by 
foreign-born Americans. The native-born American farmer boy who has or believes 
he has ability to compete in the labor market in a city for a place in business goes there 
to get one. 

Brig. Gen. Frank Parker, Headquarters First Infantry Brigade, 
American Expeditionary Forces: 

It appears to me that there is every reason to indorse and support the plan outlined. 



6 FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 

Col. T. H. Jackson, Corps of Engineers, United States Army, 

A. P. O. 702, France: 

I have seen no inclination or desire on the part of any man familiar with the farm to 
return to it as an occupxtion. The men who talk of going to the farm are either foreign 
bom or (hose who have no knowledge of its hardships or of the little return obtained 
from the greal expenditure of l.ibor which must be made. It is believed that the ex- 
perience of other countries, South Africa following the Boer War and Canada following 
the present war, has shown conclusively that there is no desire on the part of the 
soldier to become a farmer. All my experience confirms that fact. 

Maj. Gen. George Bell, jr., United States Army, Thirty-third Divi- 
sion, Camp Grant, 111. : 

The thought and idea of putting soldiers and sailors on land is admirable, and it 
meets my most cordial approval. At the same time, however, I feel that it is not 
possible to find a workable plan whereby the desires of those who wish to go upon land 
(and there would be many who would have such desire) without requesting an almost 
impossible expenditure on the part of the Government. I sincerely hope that such 
a result may be brought about, but I am afraid, however, that the plan is not workable. 

Lieut. Col. Murchison, I. C. D., American Expeditionary Forces: 

I am of the opinion that your plan will make a strong appeal to a great number of 
our returning soldiers and, if adopted, furnish them with wholesome and remunerative 
employment as well as enabling many of them to ultimately own homes. 

Lieut. Col. Edwin G. Zabriskie, Medical Corps, United States 
Army, Office of the Chief Surgeon, American Expeditionary Forces, 
France : 

I am sure your plan will gain the hearty support of all those concerned in the future 
welfare of our own dear land. 

Maj. John S. Harrison, Twenty-first Machine Gun Battalion, 
American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

The project, to my mind, is an excellent one and wall be, in my opinion, embraced 
by a great number of returned soldiers. What has especially appealed to me is that 
the project indirectly calls for the building and maintaining of an excellent system of 
roads and highways throughout the United States, as it can not be expected to make 
these farms a success without good roads tying them to central points and railroads 
where their products may be disposed of. 

Col. Adolphe Huguet, Twenty-eighth Infantry, First Division, 
American Expeditionary Forces, Meudt, Germany: 

I do not think that it would be difficult to attract the men to the farms and, from the 
Btal in; ais made in the pan phi -t you inclos d, it app ars that the Unitd States 
ech ■ni" will be of mutual b n fit, as it will provide a healthy livelihood for the men 
and will add to our national wi alth. 

Maj. W. C. McGowan, headquarters Three hundred and seventeenth 
Machine Gun Battalion, Vivion, France: 

I wish to heartily indors ! this plan, and I am confident that it will find ready sup- 
port in th • Eighty-first Division, which is larg lv con pos d of mm from rural and 
farming districts. As pr sid nt of the Wild Cat Veterans Association, I am particu- 
larly ml r st d in this plan to hip our discharge d soldi; rs. This association has ap- 
proximal ly 15,000 m< mb rs and will very probably increase to 20,000 by the time 
this division is demobilized. 

Lieut. Col. P. B. Parker, Fifty-sixth Infantry headquarters, 
American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

1 think your plan for d-velopmcnt of some of the unus~d land of the United States 
by soldi is and sailors to !.<■ on • oi the b( st propositions I have heard of as'a solution 
for the gr ai problem of employing these men on th ir discharge. I feel certain that 
a gr al many men will avail tin ms.lvis of this opportunity should it be offered to 
them. 



FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 7 

Maj. Horace W. Gregory, Engineers, American Expeditionary- 
Forces, Headquarters Service of Supply, Division of Construction and 
Forestry : 

I am heartily in accord with the proposed reclamation of land for the soldi r rs and 
sailors. My enthusiastic support of this is bas d principally upon the fact that I have 
been engaged in my professional practice as a civil engineer during the past 14 years, 
almost exclusively in irrigation and watr cons rvation in the West; and scondly, 
because I have been in close touch with so many soldiers in France, both commissioned 
and enlisted men, for a year and a half and know that there is a good p rcentage of 
th^m having an earnest desire to be afforded such an opportunity of owning a piece 
of land of their own. 

_ Maj. James L. Kelly, Quartermaster Corps, American Expedi- 
tionary Forces, Neuwied, Germany: 

I believe that a large number of returned soldiers will be interested in the plan 
you outline. These young men have developed self-confidence over here and will 
not be afraid to strike out on an independent line. They have lived in the ' ' country " 
in Europe and will be impressed with the efficient farming methods they have seen 
and the value of land. 

Col. F. C. Bolles, Thirty-ninth Infantry, headquarters Thirty- 
ninth Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

If I may be permitted to do so, I wish to voice my appreciation of this most excellent 
scheme. The good soldier does not want charity (and only the good ones will make 
farmers), but he does wish an equal chance for honest competition with these who 
have not lost time in service during the war. Your scheme, if it culminates, will, 
in my opinion, supply this chance. Furthermore, the stability of our Nation, as that 
of most other nations, rests upon the rural population. Any system that tends to 
promote this is, in my opinion, most desirable. 

Maj. J. E. Borches, Quartermaster Corps, American Expeditionary 
Forces, France: 

I have discussed this plan and idea with a great many soldiers, with the result that 
I find a large number desirous of going back to the farm when they are discharged 
from the service. This in a great many cases from boys who have gone to the city 
and who have had enough of city life. These I find are the most responsible men 
from the Quartermaster Corps. 

Col. W. T. Hase, Coast Artillery Corps, headquarters Advance 
Section, Service of Supplies, American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

Since the beginning of the war our people have awakened, due to war necessities, 
to land development and improvement. I believe our boys over here have learned 
much from the French, particularly in reforestation, intensive land cultivation, and 
conservation of farm products. I can think of no better method of governmental 
appreciation of their services than the allotment of tracts of land. 

Col. George Grunert, deputy chief of staff, Third Army, American 
Expeditionary Forces, France: 

I estimate that 20 per cent would take advantage of the offer and that about one- 
half of them would stick and make good. 

Brig. Gen. H. A. Smith, officer in charge of civil affairs, American 
Expeditionary Forces, France: 

It is not only a fine thing for these men — and I know from intimate acquaintance 
with them that many will avail themselves of this opportunity— but it is fine for the 
country. When a man has a piece of land of his own he always becomes a conserva- 
tive citizen. It is impossible to say what percentage of men who are coming back to 
civil life would avail themselves of this opportunity, but I am convinced that no 
inconsiderable number would look favorable upon it. They have seen the small 
farm in successful operation in France, Belgium, and Germany, and I believe they 
have learned something along this line. 



8 FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 

M.ij. Fred E. Haines, One hundrecTand thirty-first Infantry, Camp 

Mills, Long Island: 

II ive he i • 1 very many Boldiera express the opinion that they did not want to go 

i"inride" |ob9, but would want to go on to "land." A 

Lieut. Col. George II. Bunker, Three hundred and sixth Regiment 

Engineers, American Expeditionary Forces: 

ill-han lie 1 Bcheme that would get more of our people on farms and 
i jestion in big cities, such as Xew York, would be worth all its cost to the 
Kit it ought. 
Lieut. Col. L. B. Magruder, Headquarters ' Inspector~General's 
Office, American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

It ig believe 1 I > be an excellent undertaking and one that would satisfy a long-felt 
want, and do much good for our country and its people. 

Col. George P. Tyner, G. S., A. C. of S., G4, Third United States 
Army: 

Pers enllv I believe that the enactment of legislation of that character would be 
of by many men who have served during the war. They would 
become landowners instead "of tenants, producers instead of consumers, employers 
instead of employees. 

Col. C. A. Trott, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Fifth Division 
American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

I consider it a mi^t excellent thins: to do everything possible for the soldier of this 
war, among which the allotment of farm land would seem to be most desirable. 

Mai. M. P. L. Buck, Quartermaster Corps, American Expeditionary 
Fon 

Many of our soldiers will be °;lad to avail themselves of the chance to secure a good 
farm and will be willing and eager to aid in preparing same. 

Lieut. Col. William E. Wilmerding, Medical Corps, Fourth Sani- 
tary Train, American Expeditionary Forces: 

There have been many inquiries from the soldiers regarding the plan and no little 
interesl Bhown in it. 

Col. J. H. Fraine, Infantry, Seventh Army Corps, American Expe- 
ditionary Forces: 

The plan is very much worth while. 

Col. F. A. Logan, Field Artillery, United States Army, demobili- 
zation group: 

thai the reported impression that discharged American soldiers do not care 
ige in farming is very largely erroneous. I am in hearty sympathy with your 
i. which I regard as timely as an opportunity for our superb soldiers and of 
great national importance from an economic point of view. 

Charles Lei ings, director Army and Navy Club: 

War Camp Community Service is being swamped with questions concerning public 
land by hundreds of Boldiers and sailors. 

Maj. Robert T. Burns, American Expeditionary Forces, France: 
I believe the men would be glad to go on farms. 

Maj. John Lansdale, Engineers, United States Army, American 
Expeditionary Forces: 

?■ ' ■ tha1 }]["■'■ Projects of irrigation and reclamation should be started, 

giving the returned soldiers the preference in employment. 



FARMS FOE SOLDIERS. 9 

Lieut. Niel E. Allen, editor of the Pontanezen Duckboard, Ameri- 
can Expeditionary Forces: 

_ The average population of Camp Pontanezen is from 70,000 to 80,000 soldiers during 
times of heavy troop movement. The men have been very much interested in the 
reclamation of farm lands in the various recreation buildings or any other place where 
the matter has been submitted. 

Brig. Gen. S. W. B. Stewart, United States Army Overseas Replace- 
ment Depot, Camp Meade, Md. : 

My experience with the men of the drafted Army has been confined to two divisions, 
one from New England and one from the Middle West — the Dakotas, Iowa, Illinois, 
and Missouri. The former was composed in great part of small town and city men; 
the latter, I judge, in great part of country men. During the latter part of my service 
with the Middle West division in France, we established a division school, in which 
we had something like 2,400 students from among the men. This school was largely 
devoted to teaching phases of agricultural life. While the school lasted genuine 
enthusiasm was evidenced by the men. My impression is that many of the men of 
that division would be glad of an opportunity such as you outline for acquiring a home. 

Col. James K. Crain, Coast Artillery Corps, chief ordnance officer, 
American Expeditionary Forces: 

I consider the project a most excellent one from every point of view. 

Maj. George E. Hoppe, Thirty-eighth Infantry, A. P. O. 740, 
American Expeditionary Forces: 

I have been very_ much interested in this scheme from the beginning, and if Con- 
gress passes your bill it will be the most constructive legislation of our time in my 
estimation. I do not feel competent to suggest or criticize the scheme except to say 
that from my experience in France and Germany the community ideas if it contem- 
plates villages would not appear to be a good one from the standpoint of sanitation 
and general welfare and I do not believe that it will appeal to the average American. 

Lieut. Col. S. K. Chase: 

It gives me great personal pleasure to offer my hearty personal approval of your plan. 

Lieut. Col. David O'Keefe, Infantry, Headquarters Third Army 
Corps, adjutant general: 

I think that your plan to develop the unused lands of our country is excellent and 
will give a practicable start to thousands of men whose greatest desire is to own and 
control a bit of the soil of the country. 

Lieut. Col. Sloan Simpson, Field Artillery: 

I am very much in favor of the form of employment as outlined by you, and I am of 
the firm conviction that the activity is distinctly worth while, both for the Govern- 
ment and for the benefit of the ex-soldier. 

Col. George McD. Weeks, base section 6, Service of Supplies, 
American Expeditionary Forces, France : 

I explained the plan to about 100 enlisted men on duty at these headquarters. 
About 60 were either not interested or for some reason or other the plan did not appeal 
to them. The other 40 were interested and thought well of the plan. 

Col. R. O. Van Horn, Third Brigade, Second Division, Army post 
office 710, American Expeditionary Forces: 

Every man interviewed was enthusiastic in his approval. I would estimate that 
at least 10 per cent would take advantage of the offer at once as soon as discharged. 

Maj. Gen. William H. Johnston, Camp Lewis, American Lake, 
Wash. : 

Any legislation which offers inducement for the unemployed in large cities to locate 
in the country is meritorious. 



10 FAKMS FOE SOLDIERS. 

W. A. Haverfield,. Headquarters Third Army, American Expedi- 
tionary Forces, Coblenz, Germany: 

Our men have had an opportunity here in Europe to observe what a little patch of 
land will produce, if properly worked. There are many who are eager to apply the 
result of their observation on their own little farm, if one be obtainable. 

Maj. Joseph W. Glidden, American Expeditionary Forces, Neuf- 

chateau, France: 

I am aware of no comment against the proposition, but, on the other hand, it is favor- 
ably received by the soldiers. 

Maj. Joseph W. Breen, A. S. C, American Expeditionary Forces, 

Tours, France: 

At the Knights of Columbus Recreation Center at these headquarters it was found 
that from a casual gathering of 110 enlisted men 16 were very much interested in 
procuring farm lands. 

Maj. W. G. Gough, M. P. C, American Expeditionary Forces, A. P. 

O. 717, France: 

I have consulted with several officers and talked with a large number of men under 
my command, and it seems to be the current opinion among them that if the appro- 
priation is obtained the plan is bound to meet with success. 

Maj. Stephen Wheeler, M. T. C, Headquarters International Sec- 
tion Service of Supplies, American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

The keen interest manifested by soldiers of this command and by soldiers generally 
at these headquarters in the proposition of farms for soldiers makes it seem evident that 
the movement is not only one of interest to the men but one which appeals to them 
very considerably. 

Brig. Gen. B. A. Poore, Seventh Infantry Brigade, Germany: 

I have taken the liberty of directing the commanding officers of the units of this 
brigade, the Thirty-ninth Infantry, Forty-seventh Infantry, and Eleventh Machine 
Gun Battalion, to make inquiry as to the number of men in their organizations who 
are interested in farm work. From these reports it appears that in this brigade, with 
present strength of 7,010, about 1,800 men are interested in your plan. I doubt if 
there is anything that I could say that would be a stronger argument for it than this 
fact. I regard the plan as a most excellent one. 

Maj. J. N. Merrill, Infantry, Ahrweiler, Germany: 

I have brought the circulars which were attached to your letter to the attention of 
the men under my command, and I find that they are all very much interested. I 
believe that at least 25 per cent of the American Army of Occupation will be interested 
in your plan, and I personally wish it every success. 

Maj. Gen. W. G. Haan, General Staff, Washington, D. C.: 

It is my opinion that this would not only be of great benefit to the soldiers but it 
will help much in developing land now absolutely useless and, therefore, will increase 
the economic condition of the country. It seems to me, therefore, that from every 

Foint of view this would be desirable. I would add that since my return from abroad 
have spent about a month in the States of Michigan and Wisconsin, traveling widely 
and seeing many of the soldiers and officers after demobilization, and have heard 
everywhere expressions of interst in your project and the hope that the same will 
be successfully carried through. 

Col. Raymond A Wheeler, Fourth Engineers, American Expe- 
ditionary Forces, Coblenz, Lutzel, Germany: 

A canvas of this regiment has brought out the following figures: Of 1,480 men in 
this organization 22 per cent are interested in the land-reclamation scheme as out- 
lined by the l>"i>artment of the Interior. Approximately half of these have had m> 
previous experience in farming. An additional 8 per cent expect to return to their 
former farm work after discharge, while 3 per cent of the organization, employed on 
farms prior to entering the service, expect to give up farming and follow a new line 
of work. 



FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 11 

Coi. F. F. Longley, Engineers: 

I am at present in command of some 2,000 United States Army students who, 
under the policy of the War Department in the matter of education, have been sent 
to British universities for the term running generally from April to June. These 
2,000 men were designated from practically every large unit in the American Expe- 
ditionary Forces and thus represent every part of the United States. They are all 
men who have had two years or more of university work and a large proportion of 
them are university graduates. Of this group of 2,000 university men, about 100, or 
5 per cent, indicated their desire to pursue courses of study in agriculture, and have 
been pursuing such courses in the several fine agricultural institutions here in the 
United Kingdom. Although I, have not an accurate knowledge of the statistics 
regarding university men in the United States, I am rather strongly of the impression 
that a dominating interest in agriculture on the part of 5 per cent of a representative 
group such as this 2,000 United States Army students in British universities is an 
indication of a keen and promising interest in agriculture in our country. 

Lieut. Col. J. W. Everington, Interior Service of Supplies, Nevers, 
France: 

Prior to the receipt of that letter via Coblentz, Lieut. Col. G. V. Strong, judge 
advocate, received a similar communication from you which he brought to our atten- 
tion. The section commander, Maj. Gen. W. H. Hay, authorized the publication of 
the data. This was done, application blanks and circulars containing the essential 
information being distributed to all stations in the section and tall s given by the 
officers and men interested in the movement. It is a little early to forecast what the 
returns will be (> but partial returns in the form of over 500 applications indicate that 
the movement is receiving the attention it merits. 

Brig. Gen. J. H. Rice, Ordnance Department, American Expedi- 
tionary Forces : 

I have informally secured some information as to the views of the enlisted men of 
the Ordnance Department and find that of some 3,620, 115 showed great interest, 350 
were mildly interested, and the remainder evinced no interest. 

Maj. John T. Harris, Fifty-fifth Infantry, American Expeditionary 
Forces, Brest, France: 

Upon investigation I find that about 25 per cent of the men are interested in this 
proposition and about 15 per cent seriously interested, and would undoubtedly wel- 
come an opportunity to take up land of this nature. As a rule, the men who are 
interested are from the country and therefore know something about farming. Among 
the men who came from cities I find very little interest. While this percentage 
may seem low, it must be understood that there are quite a few men whcse parents 
are farmers and who, therefore, are alreadv provided with land. This class intends 
returning to their parents' farms and say that they have no need of additional land, 
as they intend working the land now in the family. 

Maj. Isadore Schayer, Marine Corps, Evacuation Hospital, Cob- 
lenz, Germany: 

Most of us over here know that one of the chief reasons that the French are such 
terrific fighters and why they still hold Verdun is that there are so many small-home 
owners among them. Can not quote the source just now, but I saw it stated some- 
where that there were over 800,000 home owners in the French Army. 

Lieut. Col. Robert P. Glassburn, headquarters, district of Paris, 
American Expeditionary Forces: 

From inquiry among the men and from my association with them I assure you 
that you are right in believing that your plan will appeal to them. 

Brig. Gen. J. P. O'Neil, Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo. : 

On the U. S. S. Wilhelmina, on which I sailed, there were about 1,800 soldiers 
aboard. At a meeting of all the men in a few minutes' talk I explained the plan 
as outlined in your pamphlet, and called for a show of hands of those who thought 
so well of the project that they would address a letter to your department asking for 
further information. My adjutant counted 40 per cent. I counted 27 per cent and 
an aid counted 33 per cent. I think that fully 500 of the 1,700-cdd men aboard 
think so well of the proposition that th ey intend to investigate it. 



12 FAEMS FOR SOLDIERS. 

Lieut. Col. Paul A. Hodapp, Quartermaster Corps, American Expe- 
ditionary Forces, Tours, France: 

Approximately 10 per cent of these men are earnestly interested in the matter, 
the balance Would accept land with a view of converting it into cash at the first oppor- 
tunity. Of the lo per cent, probably one-half are in possession of the funds necessary 
to clear the land, cultivate and plow and plant, and tide themselves over until the 
first harvest could be sold. 

Maj. Alexander X. Stark, jr., Sixty-first Infantry, A. P. O. 745, 
American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

1 had a Btrawtvote taken in my battalion and 75 per cent of the men favored the 
plan, but Dearly all requested further information. 

Lieut. Col. John D. von Holtzendorff, Twelfth Field Artillery, 
American Expeditionary Forces, Germany: 

I have taken up with members of this regiment the proposed appropriation by 
Congress for the development of suitable unused land for homesteads by soldiers and 
sailors being discharged. I find that it meets with approval and enthusiasm. 

Lieut. Col. T. L. Sherburne, headquarters Fourth Division, Signal 
Corps, American Expeditionary Forces, Germany: 

The farm home scheme was explained to over 500 men of the signal units of this 
division, and about 50 per cent were interested in it, and about 20 per cent declared 
their intention or making application if this became a law. 

Col. F. H. Adams, Thirty-eighth Infantry, American Expedi- 
tionary Forces, Germany: 

As this is a Regular regiment and many members are soldiers by profession, the 
percentage of men desiring to go on farms is not as large as in National Army units; 
however, a memorandum posted has brought forth a list of 245 names of men, who 
believe in the plan and are anxious to become a part of this development work. 

Maj. E. M. Almond, Twelfth Machine Gun Battalion, American 
Expeditionary Forces, Germany: 

I have gone into the matter pretty thoroughly with both officers and men and find 
the following conditions to exist which I believe are tvpical of most organizations of 
the American Expeditionary Forces of a similar size, 750 men. Every company com- 
mander of this battalion is thoroughly in accord with the plans as outlined by the 
Department of the Interior and believe that, if it materializes, will give results greatly 
beyond present expectations. 

Maj. Robert M. Falkenan, Quartermaster Corps, United States 
Army: 

Your plan to provide farm homes for discharged service men appeals to me as a most 
excellent and desirable one. 

Col. P. B. Peyton, Sixty-first Infantry, A. P. O. 745, American 
Expeditionary Forces, France: 

The division commander directed that the plan "Farms for Soldiers" be fully ex- 
plained to two companies of the regiment, and he desired to know — 

(a) How many have ever worked on a farm. 

(6) How many are interested and want further information. 

(<■) How many are quite sure thev would like to trv it. 

The plan was fully explained to I and M Companies and the following table shows 
the results: 



Number present 102 104 206 

Number who have worked on a farm 45 gj 12 g 

Number desiring more information "" jg 2 5 41 

Number who now wish to try the plan 41 lfi C7 

Number interested 98 

Number who own farms '....'.'..'.'.'.'.'. 4 3" 7 

180 



Number who now have jobs 



I 


M 


Com- 


Com- 


pany. 


pany. 


102 


104 


45 


81 


16 


25 


41 


16 


4 


3 


96 


84 



Total. 



FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 13 

f These two companies are fairly representative of the sentiment now existing in 
the regiment. It is the opinion of officers who have come in close contact with the 
men that a number who now profess an interest in farming will elect to reenlist in 
the regiment within two months of their discharge. The information in the foregoing 
was obtained after careful explanation and without laying special stress upon the 
possibilities of the plan. 

Maj. Donald Henley, Sixth Infantry, A. P. O. 745, American Ex- 
peditionary Forces, France: 

I am satisfied that this plan will meet with the greatest appreciation by the men 
in due time. 

Maj. C. C. Cragin, Engineers, United States Army base section 2, 
S. O. S., American Expeditionary Forces: 

I feel certain that you have conceived and outlined a feasible plan of far-reaching 
benefit both to the individual soldiers and to the country at large. In my opinion 
there is a majority of soldiers who would not care for farm life, but to great numbers 
your plan is considered by them as a wonderful opportunity. 

Maj. Oscar C. Brill, Signal Corps, Neuf chateau (Vosges), France: 

In general the project meets with my hearty approval, as I believe that a large 
percentage of the returning soldiers will look with favor upon it, providing it is prac- 
tical in application. The plan to have land available within the boundaries of all 
or nearly all of the States appears to me to be a very important and desirable feature. 

Lieut. Col. Roger H. Williams, office of assistant chief of staff, 
headquarters Fifth Division, American Expeditionary Forces, France : 

It will be noticed in this report (of actual information of members of my division) 
that the result of a straw vote on this subject showed that 4,180 out of 14,001 expressed 
a desire to live on farms; in other words, 29.8 per cent have such a desire. Per- 
sonally I consider the plan a most constructive and helpful one, not only for the 
returning soldier but in the development of the United States. 

Maj. Charles J. Miller, headquarters Eleventh Regiment, Marine 
Corps, American Expeditionary Forces : 

The scheme, indeed, is most practicable and should be a success. 

Col. D. M. King, Ordnance Department, office of chief ordnance 
officer, American Expeditionary Forces: 

I am quite sure that many of the members of the American Expeditionary Forces 
will be very glad to ha've an opportunity to assist in this development, and would, of 
course, be very much interested, as it would result in their having property which 
they could call their own. 

Maj. Cuyler L. Clark, headquarters Twentieth Field Artillery, 
American Expeditionary Forces: 

The great majority of men who spend a period of their life in the Army look forward 
to the time when they will be living a life of independence; a life where they work 
on their own initative instead of in accordance with the orders of others. 

Col. J. I. Mabee, headquarters Third Army Corps, office of Chief 
Surgeon, American Expeditionary Forces: 

I believe that the undertaking that you suggest will be a happy solution of a situa- 
tion that seems to be impending. 

Lieut. Col. Robert Burkham, judge advocate, chief claims officer, 
American Expeditionary Forces: 

Personally I am in favor of some such scheme as is outlined in your letter and accom- 
panying pamphlet. I am inclined to believe that such also is the opinion of the great 
majority of both officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces. 



14 FAKMS FOB SOLDIERS. 

Col. William F. Stewart, jr., C. A. C, commander of T. and M.P.: 

I am of the opinion that a large proportion of this 30 per cent would take up this 
form of employment if the opportunity presented itself to them. As to whether or 
not this is a worth-while line of activity for the Government to undertake now, my 
opinion is decidedly in the affirmative. 

Col. H. A. Finch, Sixth Engineers, United States Army, A. P. O. 
740, American Expeditionary Forces, France: 

I have talked individually with some 500 men of that regiment during the last three 
months and I am convinced that fully 20 per cent of the organization is interested in 
any movement that will enable a man to escape from the grind of city life and the 
Uncertainty of earning a livelihood in construction camps. 

Col. C. W. Barber, chief of staff, Base Section No. 2, American Ex- 
peditionary Forces, France: 

I am sure that it will be very valuable accomplishment from every standpoint, 
and personally I have no doubtabout the liberal acceptance of the opportunity by 
the men for whose benefit the project has been initiated. 

Maj. Andrew J. MacElroy, Air Service, base section No. 3, Service 
of Supply, London, England: 

I am very much impressed with the plan and feel sure that it will be one of the best 
moves ever made by our Government. There can be no doubt that the members of 
the American Expeditionary Forces returning to the States will be impressed with the 
advantage of this scheme. There is nothing that so takes hold of a man as the desire 
for a home. 

Lieut. Col. Ernest S. Olmsted, Field Artillery, Three hundred and 
thirteenth Ammunition Train : 

I know from many talks with my men that you have started something of great 
va'ue to the returned soldier and feel that many a man will take advantage of same. 
My ammunition train was nearly all farm lads, and I want to say they made the best 
so'diers of all . They had no thought of leaving the service in the East, but all wished 
to get home in the West and to their old work. Many intended to marry and feel 
certain they will then be very thankful for this wonderful chance to acquire a home 
of their own on such good terms. If there is anything I can do to help you in this move, 
please call on me. 

Maj. James Stewart, Ordnance Department, Fifth Division, Ameri- 
can Expeditionary Forces : 

The p ] an has been carefully explained to the men connected with this branch of 
the service. Not only do they unanimously approve it, but all want to know more 
about it. 

Maj. Walter P. Tyler, inspector general Fourth Division, United 
States Army: 

Since receiving your letter I have made inquiries from many officers of this division 
and t x! ked with men and am convinced that a large proportion are keenly and seriously 
int. (rested in the project, and have been astonished at the large number who have 
stit^d that they were anxious to live on a farm, do farm work, and obtain a farm of 

their own. 

Maj. Gen. C. G. Morton, commanding Twenty-ninth (Blue and 
Gray) Division: 

The project for providing land for demobilized soldiers and sailors meets my 
heartiest approval. There is much money to be made in agriculture in the East and 
South as in the West, provided that the agriculturist follows modern scientific 
methods. 

Maj. George L. Wrenn, G-5, (athletics), General Headquarters, 
American Expeditionary Forces: 

Borne plan along the lines you have suggested is an essential, I believe, for the 
individual happiness and prosperity of our soldiers, and consequently for the peace 
ami prosperity of our country. 



FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 15 

Lieut. Col. F. B. Maltby, section Engineer officer No. 1, Wash- 
ington, D. C. : 

I am not so much in favor of it as a means of furnishing temporary employment as I 
am in favor of it as a permanent encouragement and assistance to men who desire a 
farm of their own. 

Maj. Arnold Shircliffe, A. P. 0. 717, France: 

. I believe it an indeal plan and one that will produce results to the worker. The 
plan helps one to help one's self, and that is quite sufficient for those who do things. 

Col. Charles C. Pierce, Quartermaster Corps Service of Supply, 
American Expeditionary Forces: 

I am hopeful that this plan may be speedily put into execution. The experience 
of the world, during the great struggle in which we have been engaged, has demon- 
strated the wisdom of more intensive and extensive culture of the soil than has ever 
been attempted before, and the same has invested the occupation of a farmer with a 
dignity never fully realized before. The bringing of our men closer to nature and their 
investiture with the dignity of producers will conduce to their happiness and self- 
respect, and the spirit of adventure which is involved in this great project of reclama- 
tion tends to appeal to very soldierly and manly instinct. 

Maj. William Korst, Service of Supply, Quartermaster Corps, 
section No. 1, American Expeditionary Forces: 

I am sure it will meet with a hearty response from our discharged soldiers and will 
prove to be a successful method of reclaiming waste lands, as well as furnishing homes 
for discharged soldiers. 

Maj. Thomas F. Porter, jr., Field Artillery, provisional battalion 
179, American Expeditionary Forces: 

There are many men in our organization who are interested in the project, and it 
would be a pleasure to me to do the country and the men a small service by seeing that 
they understand the plan thoroughly. 

Maj. H. R. Cooper, Seventh Engineers, First Battalion, American 
Expeditionary Forces : 

In the regiment with which I am now connected the response of the men showed 
that of 1,105 men who were questioned 495 expressed their desire after leaving the 
Army to live on farms. This is an unusually high percentage. However, it is in- 
dicative of the fact that your proposed scheme is attractive to a very large number 
of men in the Army. 

Maj. Will H. Chase, Infantry Headquarters, First Replacement 
Depot, American Expeditionary Forces: 

I can not agree with those who say that the discharged soldiers would not care to 
go on farms. I am sure that the contrary is the case. 

Col. Milo C. Corey, Twenty-third Infantry, American Expeditionary 
Forces : 

I feel confident many of the returning men will gladly avail themselves of the 
opportunities so offered. 

Maj. Pelham H. Blossom, One Hundred and Nineteenth Machine 

Gun Battalion: 

I highly approve and indorse your plan for offering opportunity to returned 
soldiers (and others for that matter) to obtain a farm of their own through the United 
States Government. I have owned and operated a farm for seven years and know 
the personal satisfaction in the substantial success to be obtained in this business. 
Through experience I know that many returning soldiers will turn to the "out of 
doors, " particularly the farm, for their livelihood and only await the opportunity — 
not too difficult to grasp — of owning and working their own land. 



16 FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 

Bri"\ Gen. L. R. Holbrook, Headquarters, Camp Bragg, Fayette- 
ville, N. C.: 

I believe that thousands of soldiers will take advantage of the opportunities offered ^ 
provided the land is wisely chosen and its future worth proved in development. 

Lieut. Col. S. A. Campbell, headquarters Fifth Trains, American 

Expeditionary Forces : 

'There is probably not a large percentage of our men who would desire to be farmers, 
but it would not require any enormous percentage of 3,000,000 or 4,000,000 men to 
fill the positions made available by the work you have in view. 

Col. James M. Love, jr., headquarters American Embarkation 
Center, American Expeditionary Forces: 

I am most strongly of the opinion that the idea is a sound one and worthy of great 
encouragement in an effort to develop the scheme. 

Maj. A. E. Patterson, Field Artillery, base section 9, Service of 
Supplies, Antwerp, Belgium: 

Your plan for developing unused lands of the country by soldiers and sailors seems 
to me to meet with the hearty approval of a great majority of the men whom I have 
met. 

Maj. Edward J. Maloy, headquarters First Battalion, Fifteenth 
Field Artillery, Weiss, Germany: 

I have talked the matter over with the men of this battalion. Generally speaking, 
all are greatly in favor of the project. Personally, I believe it will be of the greatest 
benefit to the individual as well as to the Government and tender my services, if at 
any time needed. 

Col. Stephen O. Fuqua, Chief of Staff, First Division, American 
Expeditionary Forces, Mantabaur, Germany: 

The replies indicate that a large' percentage of the men of the division are interested. 
This is especially true of those organizations in which some effort was made to acquaint 
the men with the provisions of the proposed bill. In the Fifth Field Artillery Regi- 
ment approximately 30 per cent of the men signified their interest and approval of it. 
In one battalion of this regiment an article covering the bill, taken from the May 
issue of the Outlook Magazine, was posted on the bulletin boards. It was in this 
battalion that the greatest percentage of the men were interested. It is estimated 
that in the Twenty-sixth Infantry 25 per cent of the men would take advantage of 
this opportunity. 

Maj. H. D. McBride, headquarters base section No. 2, office of the 
personnel adjutant, American Expeditionary Forces: 

It is my opinion that your plan is especially commendable in that it bears no evi- 
dence of charity and these men of that sterling type would not accept charity if offered 
them, but would gladly avail themselves of an opportunity to work and earn a home 
and farm under the conditions which will carry with it a lasting appreciation for 
such home and property. 

Maj. J. W. Skelly, Engineers, St. Louis, Mo.: 

It seems to me that an earnest effort should be made to provide a farm for every 
soldier who is willing to work for one, and that three should be a hearty response. 
The Army contained a large number of farmers, with many others who are open to 
such inducements. 

The names of the writers of the following are withheld at the 
request of the writers. Each represents a unit differing from the 
foregoing. 



FARMS FOR SOLDIERS. 17 

A major of Engineers: 

The men asked many questions and seemed very interested; in fact, several had 
already studied the plan. At the conclusion I asked how many would like to apply 
for permission to participate in the development, and 42 hands went up immediately. 
That means .that in this battalion, which consists of men from about 36 States, 10 
per cent would like to take advantage of such a plan. 

A colonel, Medical Corps: 

As to the proportion of men who would desire to avail themselves of this oppor- 
tunity to secure something they can call their own, I am entirely unprepared to state; 
but I believe a considerable number are looking forward to taking up some of the 
land in question. 

A colonel of Infantry: 

In this regiment there are a large number of men who were farmers and who worked 
on farms. In the regimental school course there were more than 450 men who attended 
the course devoted to agriculture. The interest in agriculture was increased by 
the information that the men in the regiment obtained in marching over France 
and Germany. The high state of cultivation of the farms and the necessity therefor 
was so apparent that it appealed strongly to the men. I believe that quite a number 
of them would be interested in the development of unused lands as referred to in 
your communication. 

A colonel of Engineers : 

About 25 per cent of the men of this regiment have expressed an interest in this 
subject. I would say that probably between 15 and 20 per cent would be a more 
representative figure of those seriously interested. 

H. Doc. 173, 66-1 2 

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